Wisconsin’s junior wide receiver announced via Twitter on Friday he had been declared academically eligible to play this season. A UW official said the decision was made to let the player share the news with UW fans.

Later Friday, UW officials clarified the academic issue that needed to be addressed by the NCAA.

Cephus was enrolled as a student this past spring but was expelled before he could complete his classes. As a result, he had zero credits for the spring semester. NCAA rules require student-athletes to take a minimum of 12 credits each semester.

In an email to the Journal Sentinel, a UW official wrote:

"Quintez was ineligible because he did not fulfill the NCAA’s credit requirements in the spring semester. The NCAA granted a waiver restoring his eligibility."

Now it will be up to coach Paul Chryst to determine when Cephus will return to the lineup. UW opens the season next Friday at South Florida.

The news came two days after Cephus practiced for the first time since last August.

“It was great having him out here but that’s his first practice,” Chryst told reporters after the team’s practice Wednesday. “He has done a good job of staying in shape. (But) then there is running plays and going up against defenders. ...

“He is a really talented receiver. He is really good in the run game. But I think what he brings is energy. You talk to any of our O-linemen, they love playing with him. ...

"It wasn’t a long practice and he certainly didn’t get a ton of reps. But I think he can add a lot to this offense.”

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